(French, 1920-2003)
[Jeune Saltimbique], signed lower left "Levier"and signed and titled verso canvas, oil on canvas, 30 x 24 in.; gilt wood frame, original stretcher and tacking edge, crackle, light abrasions at top; frame with abrasions. Notes: Comments from the consignor's son:
Charles Levier was one of my father?s closest friends. My father early on collected Charles Levier?s artworks and also supported him throughout his life with introduction to numerous prominent collectors. During my childhood years, every year we spent time at Charles? house in Corsica. This is where my father kept his horses. While at ?The Ranch?, as Charles Levier house was referred to by his friends, my father carefully chose from among the most spectacular paintings that came out of Charles? Atelier. The only problem was that Charles jealously kept some of his best works which he refused to sell. So every year we went through the same routine: my father would ask my help in discreetly loading a couple of these paintings into the trunk of our car. As we about to leave and were waving goodbye to Charles, my father would let him know that he had to have those works and that Charles would find their payment in the drawer of a credenza, on a shelf or under a flower pot. Charles complained, my father laughed, but their friendship remained.. Provenance: Acquired from the artist in France; Collection of a Lady

original stretcher and tacking edge, crackle, light abrasions at top; frame with abrasions